The great films keep on coming, and yet again in an array of genres – from French to mystery to dramedy and based on a true story – so much to choose from, you’ll definitely find one that speaks to what you’re needing or looking for this time of year. Also, books – books about daily creativity, about finding ourselves, and a novel to prompt thought about romantic entanglements and their longevity in our lives. Decor and clothing finds – some on sale, some just too gorgeous to pass up, and some, even without a sale, are quite nice! Still, there is more…

Books

—Big Kiss, Bye-Bye: A Novel by Claire-Louise Bennett

Released in October, Claire-Louise Bennett’s new novel explores the afterlife of intimacy. Released this past October, Big Kiss, Bye-Bye follows the protagonist, a woman “uprooted by circumstance from city to deep countryside, and now lives in temporary limbo, visited by memories of all she’s left behind. The most insistent are those of Xavier, who has always been certain he knows her better than anyone, better than she knows herself. Xavier, whom she still loves but no longer desires, is a displacement he has been unable to accept.

“An unexpected letter from an old acquaintance brings back a torrent of others she’s loved or wanted. Each has been a match and a mismatch, a liberation and a threat to her very sense of self. The ephemera left by their passage – a spilled coffee, an unwanted bouquet, a mind-blowing kiss – make up a cabinet of curiosity she inventories, trying to divine the essence of intimacy. What does it mean to connect with another person? What impels us to touch someone, to be touched by them, to stay in touch? How do we let them go? In yet another tour de force of fiction, Claire-Louise Bennett explores the mystery of how people come into and go out of our lives, leaving us forever in their grasp.”

A short novel, only 165 pages, critics are praising it for its creativity and inventiveness as we consider the influence of those we let into our intimate world.

—The Daily Artist’s Way: 366 Meditations for Creative Living by Julia Cameron

Fans and devotees of Julia Cameron’s An Artist’s Way will want to check out her new book, The Daily Artist’s Way. “Now, readers can easily and immediately apply Artist’s Way practices to their lives day by day with this essential guidebook. Each day’s lesson contains vital and relevant ideas culled from Julia’s vast body of work, as well as powerful Artist’s Way Affirmations to help readers embody their most creative selves.”

—The Examined Life: How We Lose and Find Ourselves by Stephen Grosz

I spied this book being read and enjoyed recently by someone I follow on IG, and I quickly looked up the title to see what it was all about. Released more than a decade ago, The Examined Life is “A collection of short, personal encounters between a psychoanalyst and his patients . . .  reveal[ing] how the art of insight can illuminate the most complicated, confounding, and human of experiences. Ultimately, these stories show us not only how we love ourselves but how we might find ourselves.”

British Finds

—Hamnet

The international bestselling novel by Maggie O’Farrell, Hamnet, first went to the stage in the West End and is now being adapted for the big screen. With two powerful leads in the film adaptation – Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, Hamnet looks to be a film to watch.

The film premieres on Wednesday, November 26th. Have a look at the trailer below.

—Shakespeare & Hathaway, season 5, BritBox

Speaking of Shakespeare, and on a much lighter note! What good news it is that this series is returning for a new season! It had been thought that it had concluded due to changes in the creative team, but nope, it continues! Shakespeare & Hathaway‘s new season premieres on November 25th and includes 10 new episodes, one dropping each Tuesday. Have a glimpse at what is in store in the IG Reel below.

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Cookbooks

—Baking for Two: 200+ Small-Batch Recipes, from Lazy Bakes to Layer Cakes by America’s Test Kitchen

Often, the yields for recipes of baked goods are quite immense, and personally, I am either sizing them down or skipping baking them because I don’t want that much, just a good serving or two. This new cookbook from America’s Test Kitchen remedies that dilemma, and I am all for it. Baking for Two “cuts sweet and savory treats down to size while cutting out the small-batch baking quirks in this exciting cookbook for two: no calculators to scale recipes, no measuring out half an egg, no buying a container of an ingredient to use just a tablespoon, no stale leftovers, no kitchen full of required equipment.”

Films

—The Great Escaper, PBS Masterpiece

A new film based on the true story of a WWII veteran determined to meet up with his comrades in celebrating the 70th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy. In 2014, Bernard Jordan made global headlines as he staged a “great escape” from his care home to join fellow war veterans. Michael Cain stars as Jordan, and the late two-time Oscar® winner Glenda Jackson stars as Jordan’s wife, Rene.

The film tells two stories: one of Jordan’s determination to return, and his wife’s recall of their love story and how they met so many years ago during the war. Have a look at the trailer below and watch the film this Sunday on PBS Masterpiece at 9 pm.

—Rental Family

In the new film Rental Family, released today, Brendan Fraser stars as a struggling American actor who is also struggling “to find purpose until he lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese rental family agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. As he immerses himself in his clients’ worlds, he begins to form genuine bonds that blur the lines between performance and reality. Confronting the moral complexities of his work, he rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the quiet beauty of human connection.”

Described as a dramedy, it looks to be quite lovely. Watch the trailer below.

—Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery

Rian Murphy’s mystery series continues! Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is back, and really, don’t we all just return to watch Craig and hear his southern drawl? Oh, maybe that’s just me 🙃🤦‍♀️. In Wake Up Dead Man, the sleuthing begins “when young priest Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor) is sent to assist charismatic firebrand Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin) . . . Wicks’s modest but devoted flock includes devout church lady Martha Delacroix (Glenn Close), circumspect groundskeeper Samson Holt (Thomas Haden Church), tightly wound lawyer Vera Draven (Kerry Washington), aspiring politician Cy Draven (Daryl McCormack), town doctor Nat Sharp (Jeremy Renner), bestselling author Lee Ross (Andrew Scott), and concert cellist Simone Vivane (Cailee Spaeny). After a sudden and seemingly impossible murder rocks the town, the lack of an obvious suspect prompts local police chief Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis) to join forces with renowned detective Benoit Blanc to unravel a mystery that defies all logic.”

Have a look at the trailer below and look for it beginning this coming Wednesday November 26th in select theaters and then streaming on Netflix on December 12th

—Wicked: For Good

The second, and long-anticipated, film of Wicked debuts today. Wicked: For Good, continues the story of how the two witches became who we see depicted in the original Wizard of Oz. In this concluding tale, we “now see Elphaba demonized as the Wicked Witch of the West, living in exile in the Ozian forest, while Glinda resides at the palace in Emerald City, reveling in the perks of fame and popularity. As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, she’ll need to reunite with Glinda to transform herself, and all of Oz, for good.”

Have a look at the trailer and enjoy this treat of a sequel directed by Jon M. Chu.

Francophile Finds

—Vie Privée, Institut Français, London

While here in the States we will have to wait until January 16th to watch Jodie Foster return to acting in French, something she has wanted to do for some time, for those living in London or visiting London, the wait is no more (in France, the film is now in theaters, so be sure to look at local theaters’ dates and show times). A must-visit, tucked-away theater for Francophiles is the Institut Français, which is currently showing Vie Privée.

Now through December 3rd (and they have added additional viewings as it has been in high demand), watch the story of “Lilian (Foster), an American psychoanalyst living in Paris, as her life is upended by the sudden death of a patient. What begins as an exploration of grief soon spirals into intrigue: stolen files, suspicions of foul play, and unsettling echoes of the past. Determined to uncover the truth, Lilian turns sleuth—with help from her ex-husband (Daniel Auteuil)—in a delirious whodunnit filled with suspense, wit, and unexpected twists. Directed by Rebecca Zlotowski, A Private Life blends sharp thrills with a playful dose of dark humour, anchored by Foster’s magnetic performance.”

Watch the trailer below, and be assured, I will include this film again come the new year when it premieres state-side.

Shopping

—AYR Dash Jacket

A modern and chic revamp of the denim jacket. Slightly oversized, still cropped, but not too much, and dark denim to work well into the autumn capsule wardrobe. And also available at a great price.

—Banana Republic Factory Sale, 60% off everything

As you have no doubt become aware, sales are revving up just about everywhere, and while I will share more sale news in next Friday’s T&T, here is one that has already begun. Literally everything is 60% off at Banana Republic Factory sale. The items I am looking at are layering pieces – so tanks. I have included them below in the scroll as I already have a few, and now that they are $12, I am going to pick up a few more. I order one size up for a bit more length and wear them quite frequently, under blazers as well as at home while lounging, worn under cardigans or zipped cashmere hoodie jackets. Very comfortable and not too thin.

—SHOP THE SALE:

—Hinza Bucket Bag, Labour and Wait, three colors

While new to me, evidently, the Hinza Bucket Bag is a classic in Sweden, and they caught my eye. First produced in the 1950s, it has many uses. “Made from hard-wearing, recyclable plastic, this bag is durable and ideal for picnics, market shopping, or even storing articles around the home.”

—Elemis 30% off Sale

Stock up on your favorite products from the London-based beauty brand Elemis with their 30% off sale. I have had my cleansing balm stocked since this past August, but if I needed a reason to shop, I would scoop up these savings. Be sure to use the promo code CYBER at checkout.

—La Ligne’s 50% off sale

If you have your eye on something at La Ligne, be sure to check out their “only sale of the year” to see if your item is included (not everything is, but there is a lot worth checking out). Anything on sale is reduced by a full 50%, so the savings are sweet. I have shopped a few finds below.

~SHOP THE SALE:

—Malpas Scalloped Marble Bowl (two sizes)

I came across this decorative catch-all bowl last week, and it caught my eye for the guest bedroom, or perhaps for my living room. It’s both modern and classic, timeless and unique, but fully functional. Purchase in the UK at Neptune (one size), and purchase in the US (two sizes) here.

—Quince’s Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves, two colors

It is that time of year when making sure we have all of the warm-weather accoutrements ready to go is an idea not to let slip our minds. All of a sudden, out of the blue, the cold weather arrives, and we need to keep our digits warm. And having a nice pair of cashmere gloves feels oh-so good. Especially when we know we paid a nice, low price for them. There are three sizes available so that you can get your perfect fit.

—Stanley Tucci for N.Peal

The perfect pairing for the gift-giving season. Leave it to style guy Stanley Tucci to make timeless cashmere look chic and inspire us all to travel. Needless to say, I love just about everything in this collection, named ever so appropriately, The Art of Traveling. Stanley does it so well. From scarves to socks, coats, and sweaters, shop the entire collection at N.Peal.

Television

—Death by Lightning, Netflix

I learned about this six-part mini series while reading the review in The Financial Times this week, the story of President Garfield’s death (he was the 20th US President, elected in 1881 and served only six months as he was assassinated by one of his own supporters). If you too are curious to learn more about Garfield, the man and how he, someone who wasn’t initially seeking the presidency won the office and also how his supporter turned on him, then be sure to check out this series. Both Michael Shannon, who plays Garfield, and Matthew Macfadyen, who plays Charles J. Gaiteau (the assassin), are being praised by critics for their portrayals.

The series is available now on Netflix. Have a look at the trailer below.

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The weekend before Thanksgiving, as traveling has begun for many and the shopping for all the fixings is on the to-do list (or has already started), it is beginning to feel a bit (or a lot) like the holidays. I am here for it and enjoying seeing all the once-a-year offerings, events, and special occasions begin to pop up as I plan my next five to six weeks of soaking it all in.

Whether you are staying at home or taking to the roads, rails, or skies, may you have a wonderful time savoring your company and all of the food created. A few items on my Thanksgiving Day table are set in stone, while I am still considering what the others will be. First, a pumpkin tart and a Tian, and I have to have a sausage roll with the help of Paul Hollywood’s recipe. From there, I am flexible, and my taste buds are most curious to try what is placed on the table.

Now to the long holiday weekend, or week for some. Oh! An update on the adventure Nelle and I went on this week (as mentioned in last week’s T&T): All went well, better than I had even imagined, and the ‘gift’ has arrived at Le Papillon and will be installed early in the new year. Needless to say, it was a workout, but absolutely worth it. Pictures are coming of exactly what this ‘gift’ is in tomorrow’s Ponderings post for TOP Tier Members, so be sure to check it out along with all the other more intimate finds I am ‘pondering’.

Have a wonderful weekend and a few links, some are recipes for the big day, and a video you might enjoy. Until tomorrow, bonne journée .

~The Splendid Table’s annual Turkey Confidential episode will be airing soon (one of my must-tune-into-episodes of the year), and if you have a turkey question (or anything food-related), you can record and submit your question here!

~A new statue was erected in Leicester Square in London earlier this week and pays homage to Bridget Jones. Have a look here. [BBC News]

~Looking to change up the traditional pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving? Try this Olive Oil Pumpkin Cake with Salted Maple Cream [NYTimes Cooking, gift link]

~I quite enjoyed this opinion piece from Jo Ellison – I think the younger generation is onto something – Have you switched to private yet? [Financial Times, gift link]

~Sharon Santoni shares her five favorite brocantes in Paris. Saving this one most definitely.

~Gardeners! I so appreciate this recommendation from Middle-Sized Garden sharing the biggest garden design mistakes to avoid. Yet again, invest, invest, invest.

~The world’s 50 best vineyards have been announced. If you’re curious where they can be found, check out the list. [CN Traveller]

~Home Tour of the Week: This colorfully styled Georgian townhome in London’s Belgravia will definitely bring a smile. [House & Garden UK]

~An additional home tour worth taking, and this time, we’re going to Portland, Oregon. A chef and a designer have created a thoughtfully decorated home in the Hollywood District – a beautiful area of Portland on the east side that is worth visiting for boutique shopping and neighborhood wandering. Back to the home – the couple paid attention to details without making ‘it precious’ – their words, not mine, and I think it’s quite fabulous. [Architectural Digest]

~One more recipe for Thanksgiving, and this one looks scrumptious – a twist on the classic bean casserole – Crunchy Brown Butter Baked Carrots [Smitten Kitchen]

~It’s black truffle season in Provence! Learn all about the top markets to find them and more. [Perfectly Provence]

~Read the recent interview and cover story with the Duchess of Sussex found in Harper’s Bazaar.

~A guide to keep for exploring the Paris Christmas Markets this holiday season [Frenchly]

~I shared above in the Francophile Finds’ section a film to watch if you are in London or live in France, and below is a video with the star of Vie Privée, Jodie Foster, who shares in an interview captured while in Cannes earlier this year, why she was drawn to the film, and immediately accepted the role.

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~Explore the last edition of This & That: November 14th

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